With 25 years tied with the country and people of Japan, including six years as a graduate student and scientific doctorate study, he cannot explain why he has such a strong binding with Japan. His Japanese is proficient and he can translate Japanese poems into Vietnamese without altering their souls. He is Nghiem Vu Khai, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Chairman of Vietnam – Japan Friendship Association, Former Vice President and General Secretary of Vietnam – Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Vietnam National Assembly, the 11th and 12th terms. Anh Mai – Thu Ha report.
2013 marks the 40th anniversary of Vietnam – Japan diplomatic relations. As the President of Vietnam – Japan Friendship Association, could you please tell us your remarks on the Vietnam – Japan relationship in the past four decades, especially in economic, cultural and scientific exchanges?
On September 21, 1973, Japan and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam formally established diplomatic relations. The bilateral relationship is possibly divided into two phases. The first 20 years witnessed no major achievements in bilateral ties because Vietnam was at war and the international situation was complicated, particularly Vietnam faced an embargo by the United States and the Cambodia issue was misrepresented.
The second phase started in late 1992 and early 1993 after Vietnam initiated its doi moi (renovation) process, Cambodian issue and regional issues were settled. At the end of 1992 Japan started to grant official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam. Subsequently, the United States lifted the embargo on Vietnam, then Vietnam became an ASEAN member and integrated more deeply into the world. Currently, Vietnam and Japan have become strategic partners.
Regarding economic relations, Vietnam is the biggest recipient of Japanese ODA. Japan also tops foreign direct investment in Vietnam with approximately 2,000 projects. As for two-way trade, Japan is always a top trade partner of Vietnam.
In addition to economic relations, cultural exchange and cooperation in education, science and technology, particularly the people-to-people friendly exchange between the two countries have thrived.
In scientific and technological cooperation, on June 19, 2013, Vietnam hosted a seminar on Vietnam – Japan scientific and technological cooperation in commemoration of the 40th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations. Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama delivered a speech to this gathering. Japan is assisting Vietnam to carry out some important scientific and technological projects and bilateral cooperation between scientists, institutes and schools has been deepened. Particularly, some Japanese technologies are transferred only to Vietnam. For example, the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology is carrying out the Cells Alive System (CAS) to preserve fresh foods and fruits transferred from Japan. CAS technology will play an important role in maintaining the quality and increasing the value of Vietnam’s agricultural products. The bilateral cooperation in science and technology is benefiting both sides.
Regarding cultural exchanges, Vietnam’s traditional cultures have been introduced to Japan, including ca tru singing, royal court music, ao dai, and culinary culture. In return, Japan’s traditional cultural values like tea ceremony (chanoyu), kimono dress, sakura and sake wine have been introduced to Vietnam and are favoured by Vietnamese people. Many literature and poetry masterpieces by Japanese authors have been translated into Vietnamese and welcomed by readers. Some Vietnamese and Japanese films have also been translated and aired in both nations. Besides, Japan has helped Vietnam greatly in researching, conserving and honouring the archaeological and cultural values of Vietnam.
What do the cultural introductory and exchange activities between Vietnam and Japan mean to the two peoples?
Many Japanese experts have said that Vietnam and Japan are not only partners but also “natural allies,” meaning that two peoples are naturally attached and harmonised by analogy and similarity in cultures, habits and emotions, not only for economic benefit. The slogan “I love Vietnam” by Honda Vietnam Company expresses the sincere sentiment that the Japanese people give to Vietnam.
In response, the Vietnamese people treasure Japanese culture and people. The much-moved relief campaign hosted by the Vietnam – Japan Friendship Association for earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan on March 11, 2011 is evidence of that. Perhaps, it was a very long time coming, to see such a big philanthropy campaign in Vietnam for a foreign country. Japan’s emperor, politicians and citizens thanked Vietnam for the fine deed. This also makes the two peoples closer and trust each other more.
What programmes and plans have Vietnam – Vietnam Friendship Association taken to celebrate the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations?
Vietnam established the National Steering Committee in charge of the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan. The Vietnam – Japan Friendship Association has many programmes and people-to-people activities. The Vietnam – Japan People-to-People Friendship Festival is set to take place from September 19 to 23, 2013 and the formal celebration ceremony is to be held on September 20 in Hanoi, including the tribute paid to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum and honour awarding for outstanding Japanese organisations and individuals. Many cultural and artistic events, seminars, workshops and tours are organised on a national scale in both Vietnam and Japan.
In addition, from September 6 to 9, 2013, the Club of Vietnam Overseas Post Students in Japan (a member of the Vietnam – Japan Friendship Association) will host the 20th ASEAN Student Clubs Association Congress (ASCOJA 20).
At the end 2013, the Board will coordinate with concerned agencies to organise a workshop on Vietnam – Japan economic exchanges and Japanese Culture Week.
Would you mind telling us about the most memorable moments from your 25 years with Vietnam – Japan Friendship?
It was my honour to be an official member of a State-level delegation led by President Nguyen Minh Triet on his tour to Japan at the invitation of Emperor Akihito in November 2007. After I met the King and his Queen, President Triet ordered me to speak Japanese. I was very restless and anxious, because I was not familiar with royal conversations. Knowing my nervousness, an official of Japanese Foreign Ministry encouraged me, saying: “You are a congressman and your current Japanese is very good. The Emperor will be happy to know about this, so don’t worry”. Hearing that, I felt more confident. I spoke Japanese when I met the King and pledged to make continued contributions to strengthening the bilateral friendly and cooperation relations. The King and Queen listened to me and expressed satisfaction. At the farewell ceremony on the next day, they recognised that I had been a student in Japan. It was my great honour and encouragement.
Đăng ký: VietNam News
